Adoption Information Service and Register
VANISH – Search Advice Service
AFAV Web Information Service (A.W.I.S.)
This section has information on Government and other independant organisations that can help you with information or provide a safe point of initial contact.
The Adoption Information Service (AIS) was established in 1985 to implement the information provisions of the Adoption Act 1984.
The service helps those people separated by adoption who want to obtain information or contact one another.
Through the AIS, people place their names on a register, obtain information, search and make contact.
Intermediary, counselling and support services are also available.
The Department of Human Services and approved agencies have established information services, and registers of Adopted Persons, Birth Parents, Adoptive Parents and Birth Relatives who wish to seek information about each other and/or wish to record their views about information and contact.
Before any information or documents are given to applicants, they must attend an interview with an approved counsellor. In categories where agreement of another person is necessary before release of information, the agreement must be in writing.
The Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages may only issue certificates to persons who have attended a mandatory interview at AIS.
Adult Adopted Persons
Adult Adopted Persons may make application for a copy of their Original Birth Certificate and information from adoption records. This can be done through either the Adoption Information Service of the Department of Human Services or an approved agency.
Adopted Persons under the age of 18 years
Adopted persons under the age of 18 years require their Adoptive Parents' agreement before obtaining any information and, for identifying information, the agreement of their Birth Parents as well.
Birth Parents
Birth Parents may obtain non-identifying information about the Adopted Person. Current identifying information may only be given where the Adopted Person agrees. Where the Adopted Person is under 18 years, the agreement of the Adoptive Parents is required and consideration is given to the views expressed by the Adopted Child.
Adoptive Parents
Adoptive Parents may obtain information about an Adopted Person's background, but identifying information may not be given without the agreement of the Birth Parent.
Birth Relatives
Birth Relatives may obtain non-identifying information about the Adopted Person. Identifying information may only be provided with the agreement of the Adopted Person, or of the Adoptive Parents if the Adopted Person is under 18 years.
Adult Children of Adopted Persons
Adult children of Adopted Persons have the same rights to information as Adopted Persons. However, the Adopted Person must be informed of the application, or evidence of death provided.
There is an application fee of $75.00 payable at the time of registration.
(Correct at 20/06/00).
The Adoption Information Services (AIS) of the Department of Humans Services and approved adoption agencies are available to assist with queries. There are also support groups representing each of the groups affected by adoption - Adopted Persons, adoptive families, Birth Parents and relatives - with members available to share their experiences and to offer support.
If you or a relative are affected by adoption, and are worried or unsure about the legislation, you are invited to make use of the service offered by these adoption agencies and self help groups.
For further information please call the AIS Duty counsellor during business hours 9am to 5pm or refer to the Department of Human Services web site for more detailed information.
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Adoption Information Service |
AFAV thanks the DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES ADOPTION INFORMATION SERVICE for material relating to this web page 15.4.2000
"VANISH provides an efficient and effective search advice service, search assistance and general support to all members of the adoption and state ward community.
At VANISH most of our staff and all of our volunteers have had a personal experience of search and reunion."
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VANISH |
AFAV thanks VANISH for their contribution to the Web site. 15.4.2000
Families adopting under pre '84 and post '84 Law may seek support from the Agency with whose support they adopted their child.
At VANISH most of our staff and all of our volunteers have had a personal experience of search and reunion."
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Birth families who relinquished a child for adoption in the past are able to make contact again with that Agency for ongoing support should the Agency still be operating. Otherwise contact Adoption Information Service for assistance.
This email address has been set up as an initial point of contact for people seeking help and information through the internet.
Please email the AFAV – A.W.I.S. Volunteers who will answer your query as soon as they are able. Should you not receive your reply within 14 days please contact us again by re-sending your e-mail.
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AFAV Web Information Service (A.W.I.S.) |
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AFAV - (A.W.I.S.) |
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